06 February 2013

Christian boss up for Women in Public Life award

Founder and CEO of Stockton's A Way Out charity, now in its tenth year, Jessie Joe Jacobs was delighted to find out she is one of three women on the shortlist for the voluntary sector achiever of the year prize.

Jessie, 34, said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be among such amazing, deserving women at this year's event. To be shortlisted itself is an honour, so to win would be just incredible."

Jessie, from Stockton, will be joined by Gee Walker, founder of the Anthony Walker Foundation and Cervical Cancer Support Group leader Suzanne Fernando, in her category.

Previous winners of Women in Public Life Awards include Olympian Victoria Pendleton MBE and Baroness Shirley Williams, with this year's list including national treasure Clare Balding and Baroness Oona King.

A Way Out reaches out and helps the most at-risk women, young people and families, caught in poverty, abuse, addiction or exploitation.

Campaign fundraiser, Lindsay Bruce, nominated Jessie. She said: "I couldn't think of anyone more deserving of the award. She has no need to feel nervous among the greats on the night – she is every bit the role model and leading light each of them are too. I'm delighted for her.

"It was honour to be able to nominate Jessie, She's a rare gem. Not only does she strive for the highest standards in terms of professionalism but she does it all from a heart moved with compassion, which could only come from her deep-rooted faith in Christ.

"Her work has changed lives, not only in the here and now, but I'm sure it will have had eternal significance too."